Topic: How Do I Lower The PH In Our Goldfish Ponds?

[Dianna]

Jim just tested the ponds' ph levels because the water hyacinths are not doing well. The results are over 8.2. How do we lower the pond ph?

If we had the opposite problem, how would we raise it? I am thinking about any future problems we may have...

[Tina]

http://www.pond-doctor.co.uk/longfluctuatingpH.html

[barleychown]

Adding white vinegar in tiny amounts over a span of time will lower the Ph. Adding baking soda slowly over a span of time will raise it. Slowly is the key here...too fast will really stress your fish, and the plants.

[Tina]

And
http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-the-Ideal-PH-Level-For-Your-Pond?&id=2014171
It sounds like your pond PH is good for your fishies.

[Dianna]

Thank you, Ladies.

Tina, the high ph might be good for my fish, but it is killing what few pond plants I have out there. And the water is green in both ponds...

Sarah, how tiny of an amount? A capful, maybe? I am trying to figure out how it got so alkaline in the first place. Could it be from the rocks I have around it? The rain?

One of the guys that work with Jim sent me a bucket full of plants home yesterday.

[barleychown]

Roughly how many gallons in your ponds? And are they connected?

[Dianna]

One is 85 gallons, I think, and the other 50 gallons. They don't share the same water...

[barleychown]

First, I'd test it early in the day...like first thing tomorrow morning. Time of day often changes the level. If you still feel it needs adjusting, start with about half a capful in each...a little goes a looong way, and you can't change the Ph fast without shocking living things.

[Dianna]

Thank you, Sarah. I will ask Jim to check it again for me tomorrow morning...